Definition: And in the first day [there shall be] an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save [that] which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 12:16. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage about the Israelites being released from slavery in Egypt. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God has set aside a special time for the Israelites – a time of rest and preparation – after they’ve been held captive in Egypt for 430 years. It's like a carefully planned pause before they begin their journey into freedom. Let's break it down word by word: “Exodus 12:16” : This is the title of the verse – it’s part of a larger story in the Book of Exodus. “And in the first day [there shall be] an holy convocation…” : This means “a special assembly or gathering.” The word "convocation" suggests a deliberate and important meeting. “…and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you;” : This is the key part – it’s saying that seven days after the first day, God will establish another gathering. “To you” refers to the Israelites themselves. “no manner of work shall be done in them, save [that] which every man must eat…” : This is the most important part. It means “nothing should be done in them except that what each person needs to eat – food and drink – is permitted.” It’s a strict rule for survival and sustenance. So, putting it all together: God wants to give the Israelites a period of time where they can relax, gather, and prepare for their journey out of Egypt. He sets aside this special day – seven days later – with a specific instruction: everyone must eat something. This is a symbolic representation of the Israelites needing to be fed and nourished as they begin their long journey to freedom. What does it mean in terms of faith? It’s often interpreted as a promise of God's protection and provision for the Israelites throughout their lives. It emphasizes that God cares about them and will provide for their needs, even when they are facing difficult times. It also speaks to the importance of obedience – following God’s instructions and being ready for what comes next. Important Note: This is a complex passage with layers of meaning, and there's been a lot of discussion and interpretation over the centuries. It’s more than just a simple instruction about food! --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the larger story of Exodus? Explore related concepts (like the covenant between God and Israel)?